(((Part 5)))




Buffy awoke, gasping from the intensity of her dream. She glanced around her, as the others sat up as well.

All they could do was look at each other, overwhelmed.

"Wow," Buffy finally managed.

"I mean... yeah," Riley struggled.

They all stood, stretching.

"Well, that was... interesting," Giles said slowly, as they moved out toward the dining room. "And you said it was the First Slayer's punishment, Buffy?" he inquired.

"The first slayer... wow," Willow said slowly.

"Not big with the socialization," Xander added.

"I know," Buffy agreed. "She was only there for one scene."

"Somehow, our joining with Buffy and invoking the essence of the Slayer's power was an affront to the source of that power," Giles began.

"You know, you could've brought that up before we did it," Buffy said, annoyed.

"I did!" Giles insisted. "I said there could be dire consequences!"

"Yeah, but you say that about everything!" Buffy argued.

Joyce padded down the stairs toward them. "I'm guessing I missed some fun."

"I wouldn't exactly call it fun," Buffy said, wrinkling her nose. "The first Slayer sent us all into the Rocky Horror Picture Show in our dreams."

"Oh," she said, looking surprised. She paused. "Well... anyone want some hot chocolate?"

"Sure," Willow agreed.

"I'd love some," Riley added.

"That would be great," Buffy said.

"Marvelous," Giles agreed.

"Xander? Will you be my kitchen buddy?" Joyce requested.

"Sure. Uh, Buffy's Mom," Xander agreed, hastening to help her.

"Are you alright?" Giles asked Buffy, noticing her concerned frown.

"Yeah, I just... I think I might jump in the shower," Buffy said, wrinkling her nose.

"You do seem a bit... well. I suppose you never really thought about the first Slayer. It was quite a bit intense for you, I'm sure. We must've just gotten a taste of it."

Buffy shook her head. "No. It's just... I mean, the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I will *never* be clean again." She frowned and headed up toward the shower.

But when she walked by her bedroom... she couldn't stop herself. She seemed drawn inside, and stood for a moment, staring at the bed.

And then, suddenly, she began to dance, hoping that no one could hear her. "Let's do the time warp again! Let's do the time warp again!"

[THE END]




Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5